A Strictly Come Dancing spokesperson has revealed that professional dancer Graziano Di Prima reportedly 'kicked' celebrity partner Zara McDermott during rehearsals last year.

It was revealed on Saturday (July 13) that Di Prima had been axed as a professional from Strictly 2024 amid allegations about his conduct with a past participant on the show.

Following the announcement, McDermott came forward posting a statement on Instagram.

The former Love Islander said: "So much of my Strictly experience was everything I could have dreamed of.

“The entire production team and everyone behind the scenes as well as my fellow contestants were so amazing to work with.

“However, my experience inside the training room was very different. Reports have been made about my treatment on the show and there were witnesses to some events, as well as videos of particular incidents which are incredibly distressing to watch.

“I have wrestled with the fear of opening up – I was scared about public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming.

“But after a lot of conversations with those I love, I’ve gained the strength to face these fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the show.

“The culture within our society makes it difficult for people to speak up, especially in a world where social media opinions and voices are so loud. This is something I’ve seen through working with countless women on my documentaries.”

Strictly Come Dancing alleges Graziano Di Prima 'kicked' Zara McDermott in rehearsals

Now a Strictly spokesperson has come forward alleging Di Prima 'kicked' McDermott during a rehearsal session last year.

Strictly's Mark Borkowski, speaking to BBC News, said: "There is never a time when kicking, or any sense of that is right. And he knows that.

"He knows he's made a mistake. He apologised at the time."

Di Prima thought the matter had been resolved, but video of the incident is believed to have been brought to the attention of the BBC last week, and the dancer was then removed from this year's line-up.

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The video has not been made public, and the circumstances surrounding it are not known.

But BBC News said it understands the video shows Di Prima "kicking" McDermott during a rehearsal.

Mr Borkowski said Di Prima did not clearly remember the incident, but did not deny there was a kick and accepted that he had "crossed the line".

However, he did deny reports that he spat on his dance partner.

Di Prima "does remember that he was pushing (McDermott) quite hard" in training on the day in question, Mr Borkowski told BBC News.

He added: "But he doesn't recognise some of the issues surrounding it.

"The descriptions of what is being commented online, and how he remembers it, are not aligned."

This all comes after it was confirmed Giovanni Pernice will not be part of the 2024 line-up of professionals amid allegations about his teaching methods, which he rejects.

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The BBC also announced earlier this week, a member of the production team will be present “at all times” during training room rehearsals on Strictly Come Dancing in 2024.

The corporation said it is announcing “additional steps to strengthen welfare and support” on the popular BBC series, after concerns “have arisen in recent months” that are “fundamentally about training and rehearsals”.